President Donald Trump has warned that he may order additional strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island “just for fun,” following a series of U.S. attacks on this strategic hub, which is critical to the Islamic Republic’s oil exports.
In recent days, American warplanes and missiles have targeted military facilities on the island. U.S. Central Command claims to have executed precision strikes on more than 90 targets while trying to preserve energy infrastructure.
Trump’s comments indicate a potential shift in tactics as Tehran continues to block oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel that carries around 20% of the world’s crude oil.
Iran has insisted that the Strait will remain closed, according to statements attributed to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, which contradict earlier reports about his health.
Meanwhile, strikes against Iranian infrastructure by U.S. and Israeli forces have intensified. Last week, Israeli airstrikes destroyed an oil depot in Tehran, which the IDF described as essential to supporting the “entire Iranian war machine.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned of retaliatory measures, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly launched missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets and three U.S. military installations. In Fujairah, UAE, operations at oil-loading facilities were disrupted by a drone attack, although civil defence teams managed to contain a fire caused by falling debris.
Fujairah handles roughly one million barrels of Murban crude daily, accounting for about 1% of global demand.
Trump has called on allied nations, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, to send naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage.
On Truth Social, he stated: “The countries of the world that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!” He pledged that Washington would coordinate with partners to ensure that operations proceed “quickly, smoothly, and well.”
The escalating exchanges highlight the growing risk of further military confrontation in a region that is central to the global energy market.
